I have many bundles of old barn boards for sale. These boards are close to 100 years old if not older and they have all had the square and round nails removed from them. This lumber is completely dry and I am selling them in different sized bundles for those who need different amounts of lumber. The old circle saw marks are clearly visible on each board as seen in the pics. Many people use old ...
We made a few test cuts with ¾-inch plywood just to get a feel of the motors we were working with. It became clear pretty quickly that not all 15 amp motors are equal. Once we knew what to expect, we moved to pressure treated 2x pine material in 7-1/2 foot lengths. Why 7-1/2? Our test material started at 15 feet and it seemed silly to have some at 8 feet and others at 6.
To ensure that our runout measurements were accurate, TBB used a Freud calibration plate. Freud manufactures this ground stainless steel plate to a tolerance of ± .0005 inches in flatness across the plate. While TBB does not have a means to measure the accuracy of this specification, we did put this calibration plate on top of a polished granite calibration table and could not shine a light under any portion of the plate or slip the 0.001 feeler gauge under the edge.
Ridgid seems to get mixed reviews from users, maybe due to its lower price point, but continues to impress us in head to head competitions. With this edition, Ridgid’s 15 amp motor powered through cuts better than any other saw we tested. Sure it was close, but it consistently beat out each competitor. That power does come with more vibration than some of the others though.
It is extremely lightweight so that it can be easily moved around. The best feature for me is the unique capability to capture dust both below and above the blade. That keeps your workplace clean, and you save time. The safety features and ease of use further add to the convenience element. Additionally, the product comes with a 3-year warranty, which is quite good for a tool in this class.
Bosch has a long legacy of manufacturing great tools for generations, and the Bosch 4100-09 upholds that tradition. Slightly heavier than the Dewalt DWE, it comes with an innovative stand that makes it stand out. The gravity-rise stand cuts down the time to set this table saw by quite a lot, reducing set up time. It also comes equipped with pneumatic wheels that can roll on almost any surface without much hassle. Another selling point is the advanced T-slot miter gauge that makes sure that you get the right cut every time without fail.
Kobalt’s KT1015 Table Saw features value pricing with a decent rolling stand. We initially had questions about its dual-locking fence, but found that it actually worked quite well. There’s plenty of wobble in it, but if you follow our Pro Tip on adjustments in the fences section, you can lock the front end in square then stabilize it with the back lock.

We went through a large number of portable table saw reviews to help you identify the top options that you could choose from. If you do not have the time to surf through hundreds of options available online, this list will make the task easier for you. Of course, you can also use our buying guide to sift through options outside this list. In saying that, let’s get started with our top pick, the DEWALT DWE7491RS!

The fencing should be perfectly straight and parallel to the blade in order to maintain a safe environment and achieve the best results. As soon as the fencing is taken care of, turn your attention to the blade itself. Is it properly adjusted and sitting at a perfect 90 degree angle? If not, you could encounter some issues while trying to work. You’ll need to find an accurate measuring tool to make sure your table saw blade is resting at a perfect 90 degree angle if you want to see the best results.
It is equipped with plenty of important components and the motor is one of them. It differs from a model to another, but this depends on various circumstances. For example, the smaller models have direct-drive motors that run on 120V circuits. In comparison to all those powerful motors that produce up to 5 hp, the motors designed for smaller units can produce up to 2 hp. This power is enough for cutting thinner material sheets. Keep in mind that the 5hp motors operate on 240V.

If you're currently looking for a cabinet table saw and it's the first time you actually need to buy one, then you should know that they come in a wide range of types, from the larger contractor saws to the portable table saws that most people seem to own. However, buying the right model for you depends on your needs and how you're going to use it.

If you’re looking for the perfect cabinet table saw out there, then you should look no further than the SawStop ICS51230-52. This is an industrial grade cabinet saw and is also the highest quality, most powerful and heaviest cabinet saw you can currently get. Its fifty two inch industrial T-glide fence assembly, combined with a 5 HP, 230V single phase motor offers safety, versatility, durability and peace of mind that SawStop is so well known for.

There are two major points that affect post-calibration table saws: fence quality and overall stability. A fence works by grabbing hold of the table edge and clamping into it. The best fences, like Biesemeyer, have three points of contact. They’re just not where you’d expect. All three are on the front, leaving none on the back. With a wide cast metal front clamping system, the front is pulled flush and self-aligns. It requires a solid locking mechanism to ensure the fence doesn’t move during cuts, but it is very possible.
In terms of size, the table height from floor measures thirty four inches, with extension it measures twenty seven by forty inches and overall dimensions are 62 by 41 by 40 inches (LWH). This is simply an amazing saw and not only will you use it for many years to come, but it’s going to help you get the professional results you’re looking for in any project.

The fencing should be perfectly straight and parallel to the blade in order to maintain a safe environment and achieve the best results. As soon as the fencing is taken care of, turn your attention to the blade itself. Is it properly adjusted and sitting at a perfect 90 degree angle? If not, you could encounter some issues while trying to work. You’ll need to find an accurate measuring tool to make sure your table saw blade is resting at a perfect 90 degree angle if you want to see the best results.

The good news is that if you already own a dust collection system or a shop vac, then you may be compatible with many models. Even if it doesn’t match the port size of your shop vac, you can often purchase converters that will make the table saw work with the system you already own. Consequently, you shouldn’t avoid a unit because it has a port size that is different from the gauge of your shop vac. This is something to look into before making a purchase, just to make sure that converters that will work with your model are being sold.
Additionally, you’ll be able to enjoy the dust collection port system on the cabinet. It leads its industry in its ability to efficiently gather up to 99% off all dust put off by the device both above and below the table. The SawStop PCS31230-TGP252 Professional Cabinet Table Saw is a powerful and invaluable device - definitely one of the best investment choices you could make.
Table saws can pose a serious risk of injury, since part of the spinning blade comes up above the surface of the table where it can come into contact with the user's hand as it guides the wood. Thanks to voluntary safety standards introduced by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in 2007, pretty much all table saws now come with blade guards that minimize the risk. Modern guard systems are easier to remove and replace as needed – an important feature because inconvenient blade guards are apt to be left off the saw.
If you are an avid hobbyist, this saw is made just for you. The company is known for its uncompromising quality and durability. This saw has a safety system where the blade stops and retracts automatically when it comes into contact with anything that is not wood. The microblade guards keep debris from flying all over your workshop. It is easy to change between blades. You will not require a riving knife to do this. Its award-winning dust collection system ensures that you have a clean and presentable workspace at the end of the day.
If you want to have a quick and accurate cut of wood, look no further than a table saw. When buying a table saw the main thing you put into consideration is its power. A good table saw should have enough power to cut through wet timber as well as hardwood. However, there are certain features which help in foreseeing the overall performance of a table saw.
More Power: Well, the mathematics of it is fairly simple. When you decide to look for the best table saws, it is always better to go for the one with the maximum horsepower. A saw that is underpowered won’t be of much help in any case. On an average, a motor with 1-2 hp can easily cut through 2-inch thick wood. For greater thickness, you need to opt for table saws with higher horsepower. For example, if you are focusing primarily on wood that is nearly 3 inches thicker, you need a 3-5 hp motor that would run on 240 Volts.
In order to measure the blade speed we used a digital laser non-contact tachometer. A piece of reflective tape was adhered to each saw blade just behind the carbide tooth, so that the tape would be just above the top of the wood cutting surface, allowing us to capture the blade speed during the cuts. We used a power-feeder to ensure that all the material was pushed through each saw at the same feed rate. In the photo above you can see our test set-up with the power feeder, a decibel meter to the left, the digital tachometer in the center, and the amp meter on the right. If you look really closely at the saw blade, the piece of reflective tape is to the left side of the blade near the power feeder.
In terms of features, the SawStop ICS51230-52 comes with a patented safety system that prevents injuries and serious accidents and offers users the highest level of protection during use. Thanks to its 5HP, you can easily cut hardwood of 5 inches or even thicker without having to worry about the saw choking. Also, thanks to the toll-free fast change mount, you can transition between riving knives and guard in just a few seconds.
Last but not least, you need to pay attention to the dust collecting capabilities of a particular model. Portable units usually have a weak dust-collecting capacity, but they aren’t foreseen for large projects. However, all other types do feature some kind of dust collecting system. The first thing you should check is the diameter of the dust port. The larger it is, the less debris you’ll have flying around. Also, check out the vacuum requirements because some models work only with super-expensive vacuums. As you can assume, the thing that’s lacking with those models is cost efficiency. However, if you don’t have budget limitations, feel free to invest in a high-end vacuum, it makes a huge difference.
Buying a table saw can cover a lot of bases. You have everything from DIY models to professional production level cabinet table saws. In this article, we’re looking what is arguably the most popular – jobsite table saws. They’re on the less expensive side and are highly portable compared to their shop counterparts. That makes them go-to tools for framers, jobsite carpenters, and Prosumers.
If you are making a cut that will require your hands to get close to the blade, (within 6 inches) use a push stick or two to eliminate the chances of your hand touching the blade. If this is a big concern for you, maybe consider a saw that uses flesh detection to stop the blade. The additional cost of the saw will be instantly appreciated the first time you need it.

In 1999, a Dewalt table saw came out that was considered one of the first hybrid saws. They are made with strong motor parts and the drive system is more advanced. The substantial trunnions in most hybrid saws are attached to the bottom of the saw to make the blade and the miter slit meet exactly and easier. These are much smaller than the cabinet saws.

The first step to take when using a table saw is to don all the appropriate safety gear that a responsible operator should use. This includes, at the bare minimum, eye protection and thick work gloves. It's also a good idea to protect your ears with ear muffs or earplugs and to consider a mask that will cover your mouth and nose to prevent the inhalation of fine saw dust particles.
You want to rip down lumber with your table saw. For this you’ll need a fence. You just can’t make an accurate rip cut without one. Check the fence sits on the rails firmly. You should be able to adjust it easily in both directions. A T-square fence is the most common type. Made from welded steel, it’s precise, user-friendly and durable. Some fences are mounted with bolts. Others are welded onto the head of the T-square. Miter gauges are priceless for making cross-cuts and other more advanced cuts. This gauge acts as a guiding device. It moves in the miter slot. You can angle between 45 degrees and -45 degrees. For angled or square cross-cuts or other specialty cuts, a miter gauge fully delivers.
Table saws that can be found on the market are designed for different uses. There are four types that these table saws can be listed under. There are Portable saws, contractor saws, hybrid and cabinet saws. When exploring the possibility of a new saw you will need to understand what each of these mean and how each saw performs in their perspective class.
Designed to be Portable – In case you hadn’t already gathered from the above section, this is a table saw from Bosch that is clearly designed to be portable. If you’re going to need a table saw that can be moved on and off of a worksite with little effort, you’ll definitely find that to be the case with the Bosch 4100-09 and it’s included Gravity Rise Stand.
The DeWalt DWE7499GD table saw earns a third place finish in the safety category thanks to their GuardDetect technology. This doesn’t prevent you from using the saw without the pawls and blade guard in place, but it does require you to physically indicate you are aware they’re not in place. Ideally, this gives your mind one last opportunity to consciously note the additional care that needs to take place before cutting.
When it comes to the type of wood that you can cut through with a cabinet table saw, you can purchase one in confidence of the fact that you’ll be able to cut just about any type of wood. That being said, as a general rule, you’ll find that the more expensive cabinet table saws offer great strength and flexibility. However, in terms of the pricing of table saws, you’ll definitely find that they can become pretty expensive. This is no surprise though really, especially when you take into consideration the fact that cabinet table saws are designed solely to be used within a professional environment.

Great match-up and informative… however I too noticed that “No Load” RPMs varied quite a bit from chart to chart – for the same saw. We would expect some variation of 50 RPM as you had mentioned, but not 500 to 800. See that the Hitachi changed from 4400 down to 3700, Delta jumped from 3700 to 4400, Rigid from 3650 to 4350. Upon closer scrutiny… the order of “No Load” RPMs used in first chart may have been used in all subsequent charts. When the “Load” results were ordered by hi-to-low ranking, is it possible that the “No Load” data was not kept with its saw? If so, that changes the %drop results slightly for most RPM No-Load/Load,Speed charts. No too terrible. Lots of data… Good overall presentation though for use to make informed decisions. Thank you!

No doubts about it, a table saw is one of the most important tools a woodworker can have in its garage. There are dozens of models on the market and after reviewing a lot of them we can say that it is more than complicated to take the right decision. Therefore, if you are looking at buying a quality machine, but you have no idea about their features, construction, design and so on, below is a comparison table specially made for people like you. In this comparison chart, you will find detailed information about the best models in 2018.
Table saws will use one of two different kinds of drive configurations; Direct-drive motors and Belt-drive motors. In a direct-drive motor, they will link directly to the blade itself and transfer all of the power of the motor to the blade. They tend to last longer than belt drive motors and there is no belt to replace or worry about getting worn out. Belt drive motors transfer power from the motor to the blade through a belt. In this type of configuration, the motor can be offset away from the sawdust which helps the motor last longer. In general, belt drive motors need more preventative maintenance than direct-drive motors do. If you have a belt drive motor, check the tension of your belts as well as checking them for wear periodically to ensure your continued safety.
The SawStop Contractor Saw CNS175-TGP36 stands out chiefly on account of its unique safety brake, which stops the spinning blade dead when it senses the presence of skin. However, it's also an excellent saw in other respects: powerful, well built, and easy to assemble, with great dust collection and loads of features. Cost is a major concern, but so is the cost of the injuries SawStop is designed to eliminate.
The DEWALT and Makita finished in first for our ergonomic rankings followed by a tie for second between Hitachi and Skilsaw and a tie for third place by Bosch and Ridgid. Both the DEWALT and Makita built their saw with the professional contractor in mind. Overall the entire crew really likes the saws with a rack-and-pinion fence system and the large wheels on the Skilsaw were also a big favorite.
The stand is collapsible and wheeled like others, but it’s not the gravity-rise style. You’ll have to use a foot to stabilize it while you pivot it up or lower it down. The lower locks are released with your feet and there’s some question about the long term durability of the releases. An open housing design has two major results – motor cooling should be more efficient but it trades off storage for an extra blade. There’s really way too much to talk about here, so check out our full review of this model.
It features an 1850W motor which delivers more than enough power for any heavy-duty task and DIY project. Dewalt is well-known for designing quality tools, and they didn’t disappoint with this particular model either. The fence system offers 610mm of rip capacity. As you may assume, even though it’s a portable unit, you can easily cut large pieces of wood to a particular size.